China Post tracking

What is China Post?

China Post, also known as the Chinese Postal Service or Zhongguo Youzheng, is the official postal operator of the People's Republic of China. Founded in 1949, the year of the creation of the People's Republic of China, this state-owned enterprise is placed under the supervision of the State Bureau of Posts of China. It is today one of the largest postal networks in the world, with a presence covering the entire Chinese territory, from coastal metropolises to the most remote villages in mountainous regions.

The history of China Post is part of that of modern China. From 1949 onwards, the new government established a National Bureau of Posts tasked with rebuilding and unifying the postal system across the entire territory. Over the decades, the Chinese postal service developed continuously, accompanying the country's rapid economic growth and the growth of domestic and international trade. A major reform of the postal sector was undertaken between 2005 and 2007 to separate regulatory functions from commercial activities. This restructuring resulted in the creation of the China Post Group Corporation on January 29, 2007, an entity responsible for operating postal services on a commercial basis, while the State Bureau of Posts became an independent regulatory body.

• Date of creation: 1949, with the founding of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of the National Bureau of Posts
• Major restructuring: 2007, creation of China Post Group Corporation as a distinct commercial entity
• Parent company: State-owned public enterprise under the supervision of the State Bureau of Posts of China
• Headquarters: Beijing, People's Republic of China
• Annual revenue: More than 100 billion USD annually, placing the company among the top 100 in the Fortune Global 500 ranking
• Infrastructure: More than 82,000 postal outlets, 120,000 delivery vehicles and a fleet of approximately 42 cargo aircraft

China Post's positioning in the global market is based on several major strengths. The company benefits from an unequaled territorial network in China, enabling it to ensure universal postal service even in the most isolated areas. As a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), China Post integrates into the global postal network and collaborates with postal services from all countries to ensure the international routing of mail and parcels. This integration into the international postal network makes China Post an essential player in cross-border e-commerce, with millions of parcels transiting daily through its infrastructure to reach consumers worldwide.

During the 2010s and 2020s, China Post continued its modernization and adapted to the growth of online commerce. The massive increase in parcel shipments, notably due to e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress, Wish and Temu shipping from China to the rest of the world, led the operator to develop specific services and significantly strengthen its logistics capabilities. The adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-based sorting systems has improved operational efficiency, reducing parcel processing times by up to 40% according to some estimates.

Which countries does China Post deliver to?

China Post provides exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, both on national territory and internationally. On mainland China, the carrier serves all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, from major metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen to the most remote rural communes. This dense territorial network, comprising more than 82,000 postal outlets, enables China Post to guarantee the routing of mail and parcels to the furthest corners of the country.

Internationally, China Post plays a central role in routing shipments between China and the rest of the world. Thanks to its membership in the Universal Postal Union, the Chinese operator can ship parcels to more than 200 countries and territories across the globe. This worldwide reach makes China Post one of the most accessible carriers for Chinese shippers wishing to reach various destinations, whether Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Africa or the Middle East.

• Mainland China: Complete coverage of 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities and 2 special administrative regions
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and others
• Europe: All European Union countries, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Russia and other European countries
• North America: United States, Canada and Mexico
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and other Central and South American countries
• Africa and Middle East: Many destinations including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, South Africa and others

International shipments operate through a cooperation system between national postal services. Specifically, a parcel sent from China via China Post is handled by the Chinese operator until it exits the territory, then transferred to the postal service of the destination country for final delivery. Thus, a parcel destined for the United States will be distributed by USPS, a shipment to Germany will be handed over to Deutsche Post, and a parcel to the United Kingdom will be handled by Royal Mail. This international collaboration ensures end-to-end tracking and efficient distribution in the destination country.

China Post also relies on international exchange centers located near China's main air hubs, notably Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where international mail is processed before export. The company operates its own air transport company, China Postal Airlines, which operates dedicated cargo flights for postal freight with a fleet of around forty aircraft, accelerating the transport of shipments to worldwide destinations.

What are the China Post services and delivery times?

As a versatile postal operator, China Post offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to the different needs of individuals and professionals. Each service is distinguished by its delivery times, level of tracking and rates, allowing shippers to choose the option most suited to the urgency and value of their shipment.

The EMS (Express Mail Service) constitutes China Post's premium offering for urgent shipments. This international express mail service allows rapid routing of documents and goods, with delivery times generally between 3 and 8 business days to most international destinations. EMS offers detailed real-time tracking and increased reliability, making it the preferred choice for shipments requiring priority delivery. The service serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

• EMS (Express Mail Service): Premium express service with delivery times of 3 to 8 business days to main destinations, complete end-to-end tracking
• ePacket (EUB - e Youbao): Fast economical service for small parcels up to 2 kg, delivery times of 10 to 20 days to the United States and 7 to 30 days to other destinations
• China Post Registered Air Mail: Registered airmail with tracking, delivery times of 7 to 30 days depending on destination
• SAL (Surface Air Lifted): Combined sea/land transport at national level and air between countries, delivery times of 15 to 20 business days
• China Post Ordinary Small Packet: Economical option for small shipments, delivery times of 15 to 60 days, limited tracking
• Surface Mail: Transport by land and sea routes, delivery times of 40 to 70 business days, most economical rates

The ePacket service, also known as EUB (e Youbao), represents a particularly popular solution for online sellers for shipping small parcels. Developed specifically to meet the needs of cross-border e-commerce, this service offers an excellent balance between speed and cost. Delivery times vary from 10 to 20 days to the United States and 7 to 30 days to other destinations, with end-to-end tracking. Platforms such as AliExpress, eBay and Amazon widely use this service to ship goods from China.

Standard airmail (China Post Registered Air Mail) offers intermediate delivery times, generally between 7 and 15 days for countries neighboring China and between 7 and 30 days for European and American destinations. This service includes a tracking number allowing you to track the parcel's routing at each key stage of its journey.

For less urgent or bulky shipments, the SAL (Surface Air Lifted) service combines land or sea transport within the countries of origin and destination with air transport between the two countries. This method offers a good compromise between airmail and surface mail, with delivery times typically between 15 and 20 business days.

Finally, surface mail constitutes the most economical but also slowest option. Parcels are routed by land and sea, which considerably extends delivery times, typically between 40 and 70 business days or even up to three months for certain distant destinations. This option is particularly suitable for bulky non-urgent shipments for which cost takes priority over speed.

What are the China Post rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

The rates offered by China Post vary considerably depending on the type of service chosen, the weight of the shipment, its dimensions and the final destination. The Chinese operator is renowned for offering particularly competitive rates on the international market, notably thanks to Universal Postal Union agreements which set favorable exchange rates for developing countries.

For EMS service, rates are generally higher but remain competitive compared to international private express companies such as DHL, FedEx or UPS. The maximum weight allowed for an EMS shipment varies according to the destination country, generally ranging between 30 and 40 kilograms. This service is suitable for urgent shipments of documents or valuable goods for which speed and reliability justify a higher cost.

• ePacket (EUB): Maximum weight of 2 kg (up to 3 kg to Israel and 5 kg to the United Kingdom), maximum value of content of approximately 2,900 yuan (400 dollars)
• China Post Small Packet: Maximum weight of 2 kg, maximum length of 60 cm, combined dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 90 cm
• EMS (Express Mail Service): Maximum weight of 30 to 40 kg depending on destination
• China Post Registered Air Mail: Weight limits vary depending on shipment type, generally up to 20 kg for parcels
• Surface Mail: Accepts larger and heavier parcels, ideal for significant non-urgent shipments

The ePacket service, very popular for e-commerce, imposes specific restrictions. The maximum weight is set at 2 kilograms in most cases, with exceptions for certain countries such as Israel (up to 3 kg) and the United Kingdom (up to 5 kg). The declared value of the content must not exceed approximately 2,900 yuan (400 dollars). These limitations make ePacket an ideal solution for small light items such as electronic accessories, clothing or cosmetic products.

For ordinary small packets (China Post Small Packet), the maximum authorized dimensions are 60 centimeters for the largest dimension and 90 centimeters for the sum of length, width and height. Weight must not exceed 2 kilograms. These shipments can be sent in registered mode for tracking benefits, or in ordinary mode for even more economical rates but without tracking capability.

The factors influencing the final price of a China Post shipment include the actual weight of the parcel, the volumetric weight (calculated using the formula length × width × height / 5000 for express services), the destination zone, the level of service chosen and additional options such as insurance. Certain goods may also be subject to additional rate charges or shipping restrictions, particularly bulky, fragile items or those containing regulated substances.

What are the China Post delivery options?

China Post offers several delivery options to suit the preferences and constraints of recipients. However, it should be noted that the terms of final delivery largely depend on the postal service of the destination country, which takes charge of the parcel once it arrives on its territory. Available options therefore vary depending on countries and local agreements.

In China, the China Post network has a highly developed distribution infrastructure. Parcels can be delivered directly to the recipient's address by the operator's mail carriers and delivery personnel. In urban areas, delivery typically occurs Monday through Saturday, while rural areas may experience different distribution frequencies depending on their remoteness. China Post has also developed a network of pickup points and automated lockers to facilitate parcel retrieval outside of mail carrier visit hours.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution to the address indicated by the recipient, with signature upon receipt for registered shipments
• Postal office deposit: In case of recipient's absence, the parcel may be deposited at the nearest postal office for later collection
• Pickup points: In the destination country, possibility of collection at a retail pickup point according to agreements with the local postal service
• Automated lockers: 24/7 access in certain urban areas equipped with automated lockers
• Tracking notifications: Alerts via SMS or email during key stages of routing (depending on services)

For international shipments, once the parcel arrives in the destination country, it is the local postal service that ensures final distribution. Recipients can then benefit from the usual options offered by their national postal operator: home delivery, postal office deposit, pickup at a relay point or automated locker according to local availability. If the recipient is absent during the first delivery attempt, a delivery notice is generally left and the parcel can be collected within a timeframe varying according to the policies of the postal service concerned.

Rescheduling delivery is often possible once the parcel arrives in the destination country. Many postal services allow recipients to modify the location or date of delivery via their online services, provided they do so before the initial delivery attempt. This flexibility helps prevent delivery failures due to recipient absence and optimizes parcel receipt according to everyone's availability.

For EMS services, China Post offers more detailed tracking with notifications at each key stage of the journey. Senders and recipients can thus be informed of the parcel's departure, its arrival in the destination country, its customs clearance and its release for delivery. This increased transparency allows you to anticipate receipt and make the necessary arrangements.

What should I do if my China Post parcel is lost or damaged?

The loss or damage of a parcel sent via China Post can occur, although such incidents remain relatively rare given the considerable volumes handled by the operator. In case of a problem, several remedies are available, but the procedure depends on the nature of the shipment (registered or not) and the point at which the problem occurred in the shipping chain.

To initiate a claim with China Post, it is generally necessary to go through the sender, as it is they who established the transport contract with the postal operator. If you are a recipient of a lost or damaged parcel ordered on an e-commerce platform, the most effective approach often consists of first contacting the seller, who can themselves file a claim with China Post or offer you a refund or resend of the goods.

• Claim deadline: Claims must generally be filed within 20 to 30 days following shipment or the scheduled delivery date
• Required documents: Tracking number, proof of purchase, shipping receipt, photos of damage if applicable
• Contact China Post: Customer service accessible at +86 20 11185 (Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., China time), option 8 for English-language service
• Online claim: Possibility to submit a request via the official China Post tracking website

In case of a damaged parcel, it is crucial to act quickly and preserve evidence. If you notice visible damage to the packaging upon delivery, it is recommended to make written reservations on the delivery receipt before signing. Open the parcel in the presence of the delivery person if possible, and take detailed photos of the damaged packaging and contents. Keep the original packaging and all protective elements, as they may be requested in case of assessment.

The compensation offered by China Post varies depending on the type of service used and the declared value of the shipment. For registered shipments, compensation is provided in case of loss, but it often remains limited if no additional insurance was purchased. The amount of compensation is generally capped and may not cover the total value of lost goods. For valuable shipments, it is strongly recommended to purchase insurance when shipping.

If the problem occurs after the parcel arrives in the destination country, it is with the local postal service that a claim should be filed. In case of persistent dispute, recourse to a consumer association or mediation can help find a solution. It is also possible to invoke the legal warranty of conformity with the seller if the goods received are damaged or do not conform to the order.

If the parcel is stuck without tracking update for an abnormally long period (more than 30 days for a standard airmail shipment), it is advisable to check with the customs of the destination country whether there is an administrative blockage, then contact the customer service of China Post to obtain information on the location of the shipment.

Does China Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

China Post is a major player in international postal transport and handles millions of shipments daily to destinations worldwide. The Chinese operator manages the routing of parcels from their deposit in China to their handover to the postal service of the destination country, including export formalities on the Chinese side. However, customs clearance on import in the destination country is the responsibility of the local customs authorities and the recipient.

For any international shipment, a customs declaration is mandatory. Shippers must complete the appropriate forms, primarily the CN22 for low-value shipments (generally under 300-380 euros) or the CN23 for higher-value shipments. These forms describe the contents of the parcel, its value and its origin, allowing customs authorities to assess any applicable rights and taxes.

• Form CN22: Simplified declaration for small shipments under 300-380 euros in value, affixed to the parcel
• Form CN23: Detailed declaration for higher-value shipments, accompanied by a commercial invoice or proforma
• Additional documents: Commercial invoice, certificate of origin, export licenses for certain regulated products
• HS Code (Harmonized System): International classification of goods allowing determination of applicable customs duties

On the export side from China, China Post ensures the processing of parcels in compliance with current Chinese regulations. Shipments pass through the operator's international exchange centers, where they are sorted and prepared for shipment to the destination country. Shipping documents are verified and parcels are handed over to air or sea carriers depending on the service chosen.

On the import side in the destination country, parcels are subject to local customs controls. Since July 2021, in the European Union, all imported goods are subject to VAT, regardless of amount. This regulatory change ended the exemption previously enjoyed by low-value shipments (under 22 euros). European recipients may therefore be required to pay VAT and, if applicable, customs duties on their purchases from China.

Customs fees and taxes are generally charged to the recipient, in accordance with the DAP incoterm (Delivery at Place) which applies by default to international postal shipments. When a parcel is held in customs for payment of rights and taxes, the recipient receives a notification inviting them to settle the amounts due before the parcel is released for delivery. In case of non-payment within the prescribed timeframe, the parcel may be returned to the sender or destroyed.

For shipments to countries outside the European Union, customs regulations vary depending on the countries. Each destination applies its own exemption thresholds, customs duty rates and import procedures. The United States, for example, applies a de minimis threshold of 800 dollars below which goods are generally exempt from customs duties, although recent regulatory developments have modified certain conditions.

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted for export from China or for import in destination countries. Lithium batteries, cosmetic products, food, medicines and counterfeits are among the items frequently subject to restrictions. It is essential to verify applicable regulations before shipping or ordering potentially problematic goods.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a China Post parcel online, different statuses may appear as it is routed. These indications allow you to know the position and status of the shipment at each key stage of its journey, from initial deposit to final delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: